A high-gain self-steering microwave array

A microwave self-steering repeater for earth-satellite communications is described. This system operates at 7.3 to 8.0 GHz and consists of two independent 125-MHz FM channels. Each channel forms and steers a receiving and transmitting beam 3 degrees wide over a 30-degree cone of coverage. The minimum gain is 30 dB with an effective radiated power per channel of 28 dBW. The four beams are steered independently within the cone of coverage. The details of design and performance are outlined. The results of color television transmissions are shown. A projection to flight hardware is given.